Surface bacterial flora of Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in open markets of Yenagoa, Bayelsa state

Surface bacterial flora of Tilapia in open markets of Yenagoa, Bayelsa State was investigated in order to ascertain their pathogen content, natural toxins and other possible contaminants which is a major cause of diarrhea disease, illness and deaths worldwide. Nine (9) Tilapia fish were obtained from each of three open markets located at Swali, Kpansia and Tombia in Yenagoa. The fish were put in different plastic bags tagged and transported to the Biological science laboratory of the Niger Delta University, Amasoma, Bayelsa State. Swab specimens were then taken from each fish and a stock solution was prepared for each fish specimen. Slide samples for each stock solution were made and analyzed using an electron microscope with magnification of 3000x. Result reveals that the bacteria streptococci, staphylococci were present in all fish samples. There were significant differences in bacterial load in the three different markets in Yenagoa. Based on observation from this study, it can be concluded that fresh fish in Yenagoa pose a serious health risk if consumed without proper washing and cooking.